Bought a 2004 Mazda6 GT, v6, 5 speed, with all the bells and whistles, in July of 2014. One owner, no accidents, low mileage (160 000 km), I loved the look and knew I was hooked the moment I saw the car. I was downgrading from a lightly modded 2008 Civic Si that was virtually trouble-free, as I was applying for grad school (PhD) and needed money. This was supposed to be a BARGAIN. HA, think again.

First thing to go were the front links. Then the clutch, just a month later. Then the clutch AGAIN. Then the clutch AGAIN. Plus the first time the clutch gave I pressed the pedal too hard and broke the clutch fork. $180 to replace, BUMMER.

At this point, I was mad. Clutch replacement cost 900$ parts and labour the first time, free the other two times as it was on warranty but WHAT THE HELL MAN. I was giving the Honda clutch a Rhiana treatment for two years and never a single problem, here I am driving all civilized (since there is no longer an urge to shift at 7900 rpm) and am having these issues. My mechanic took multiple trials to figure out the issue, until they narrowed it down to crank play in the engine.

Engine was rebuilt (1000$) by his shop, which took a few days. While at it, they also took apart and cleaned the transmission + replaced all the fluids.

About a month after, ignition coils went, but that is a different story. The only upside of all this is that the compression on the engine is now perfect 200 on all cylinders, so I guess I won't have to worry about compression loss like many are mentioning here. I hope this car lasts me the 4 years of grad school, because my next one will be a Toyota or a Honda again.

PS: My mechanic was incredibly helpful through all this. If anyone is in Toronto area and needs help with this awful car, give Igarage a chance, they should know all the issues from my car already!